2. amps-preamps
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Opinions on why this system is uninvolving

I have just upgraded my system in a number of ways from Snell Type A/IIs to Revel Studios; from Audible Illusions Modulus 2 to Hovland HP-1; and from the earliest EADs to Metronome Technology DAC and transport. I find the system uninvolving much of the time. I also find it lacking in dimensionality, find it sometimes hard sounding and I notice image wander. Here's the whole system:

Revel Studios
Hovland HP-1
MFA 200C mono amps
Metronome DAC and Transport
Shunyata Hydra on amps
Power Wedge I on other components
Various high end cords incl. Top Gun, Shunyata Mamba and EMI whales
Tara Prime (or perhaps 1800) speaker cables (bi-wiring)
Audioquest Ruby interconnects between amps and pre amp (about 30-foot run)
Hovland interconnct between DAC and preamp
Siecor optical AT&T between DAC and transport

Any thoughts on how to arrest these problems would be greatly appreciated. I was thinking about trying solid state amps like the Pass 250 or 350, the McCormack DNA line, Proceed or Rowland, but I'm not really sure that will make a sginficiant difference. I know it could change the sound signficantly, but not necessrily for the better (which I realize is completely subjective anyway).
znak_m

Showing 4 responses by twl

twl
3,251 posts
 
I hate to have to state the obvious, but an analog front end would do wonders.
twl
3,251 posts
 
Bwhite, you need to try some analog that is a little higher up the scale. Perhaps its time to re-discover that Teres project lurking in your garage. I, as you know, have spent 10 years with an LP12, and compared it to many Oracles, and am quite aware of their performance levels. The Teres 245 is a "whole 'nuther smoke" entirely. And there are tables that do even better than my Teres. That is when you will see the gap widen again, between analog and digital.

That said, I'm glad that you have discovered an improvement so profound as this BiDat. I think that Ed knows his stuff.

You're just a platter, bearing and motor kit away from a major improvement. You could have the distinction of having the first "hairy" Teres. :^) - (inside joke)

I think that when you start playing, you won't even notice anything but the sound. If you had something like a Verdier or a Walker or something like that, then I wouldn't make the suggestion, but I am keenly aware of how much difference there is between an LP12 or Oracle, and a Teres.
twl
3,251 posts
 
Bryan, the SME products have a reputation for being detailed, but overly dry and analytical. You should try something a little more musical to make your comparisons.
twl
3,251 posts
 
Bryan, I know you are an analog lover. That is why I am trying to make suggestions. I do believe that you can find a table to your liking that will be at a higher level. There is something out there that will "float your boat" in all the respects you desire. Of course, I can't tell you what it is, because you have to find the one you like. I'm only trying to point out some possible directions to look in.
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